The need to speed up the rate of genetic progress in beef cattle, particularly in economically significant traits such as growth and carcase merit has always been recognised by the Meat and Livestock Commission. This is achieved through the Beefbreeder Pedigree Recording Service which records over 1,000 pedigree herds in Great Britain. Traditionally, analysis of performance records from pedigree herds has been carried out using within herd contemporary comparisons.

Average pedigree beef herd size in Great Britain is typically less than 20 cows which limits accuracy and scope for genetic improvement when making within herd selection decisions.